Utensil for tea-based beverages

ABSTRACT

A foldable straw includes a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment. The first segment includes an elongated length and a cavity extending through the elongated length and has a first durometer value. The second segment includes an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has a second durometer value. The intermediate segment is operably coupled with and positioned between the first segment and the second segment and includes an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has an intermediate segment durometer value. The intermediate segment durometer value is less than the first durometer value and the second durometer value such that the collapsible straw is foldable within the intermediate segment.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to utensils and, more particularly, to reusable utensils that can be collapsed and stored in a storage case.

BACKGROUND

Every year, billions of plastic utensils are used worldwide. These utensils are oftentimes disposed of after a single use, and frequently are not recycled. As such, the utensils become a source of plastic pollution. Such utensils may wind up in unintended environments such as waterways and large bodies of water, upon which animals may incorrectly confuse them as food. Aside from increased environmental waste, animals that ingest these utensils may suffer from related health issues.

With the increase in awareness of the environmental toll that disposable utensils have on the environment, some consumers have turned to providing their own reusable utensils. However, these utensils are oftentimes made from metal and/or glass, and as such, may be burdensome to carry and may incur damage. A protective case may be desired to ensure the utensil is sanitary and to protect the utensil from potential damage. Such cases are oftentimes bulky and space-consuming.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, a foldable straw includes a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment. The first segment includes an elongated length and a cavity extending through the elongated length and has a first durometer value. The second segment includes an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has a second durometer value. The intermediate segment is operably coupled with and positioned between the first segment and the second segment and includes an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has an intermediate segment durometer value. The intermediate segment durometer value is less than the first durometer value and the second durometer value such that the collapsible straw is foldable within the intermediate segment.

In some examples, the foldable straw may further include first and second transitional regions. In the first transitional region, the first segment operably couples with the intermediate segment, and in the second transitional region, the intermediate segment couples with the second segment. In some of these examples, the first and second transitional regions have a continuous inner diameter in a resting configuration. In some examples, the first and second transitional regions have a continuous outer diameter in the resting configuration.

In some of these examples, the foldable straw may additionally include a third segment and a second intermediate segment. The third segment includes an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has a third durometer value. The second intermediate segment is operably coupled with and positioned between the second and third segments, and includes an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has the intermediate segment durometer value.

In some approaches, at least one of the first segment, the second segment, or the intermediate segment is constructed from silicone. Further, in some forms, the first and second durometer values may be approximately 85A shore durometer. In some forms, the intermediate durometer value is approximately 50A shore durometer.

In some examples, the second segment may include a curved mouthpiece portion. In other examples, the foldable straw may further include an angled tip positioned at an end of the first segment. A piercing member may be operably coupled with the angled tip.

In accordance with a second aspect, a reusable utensil kit includes a foldable straw and a storage case. The foldable straw includes a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment. The first segment includes an elongated length and a cavity extending through the elongated length and has a first durometer value. The second segment includes an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has a second durometer value. The intermediate segment is operably coupled with and positioned between the first segment and the second segment and includes an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has an intermediate segment durometer value. The intermediate segment durometer value is less than the first durometer value and the second durometer value such that the collapsible straw is foldable within the intermediate segment. The storage case defines an interior cavity configured to retain the collapsible utensil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of a collapsible utensil with interchangeable heads described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first example utensil in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the first example utensil of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up cross-sectional side elevation view of the first example utensil of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of the first example utensil of FIGS. 1-3 positioned in a stretched configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the first example utensil of FIGS. 1-4 positioned in a folded configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of a second example utensil in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example reusable utensil kit using the example utensil of FIGS. 1-6 and further including an example case and an example cleaning tool in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the example reusable utensil kit of FIG. 7 illustrating the case being in an opened configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the example reusable utensil kit of FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrating the example utensil and example cleaning tool being disposed therein in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of one version of a cleaning tool constructed in accordance with various embodiments.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a reusable, foldable straw is provided that may be positionable between an extended configuration for use in consuming beverages and a second, compact collapsed (i.e., folded and/or segmented) configuration for storage and for easy transportability via an accessory storage case. In some forms, the foldable utensil is larger (i.e., has a larger internal and external diameter) than a typical drinking straw to be used to consume thicker, tea-based beverages that may include solid foodstuffs. In the folded or decoupled configuration, the utensil has an overall length that is reduced by approximately 25% to approximately 70% of the overall length of the utensil when in the extended configuration. A kit is further provided that includes a storage case that can store the foldable utensil in the folded configuration, thereby resulting in a compact form that may be carried by a user. The kit may additionally include a cleaning tool used to clean an interior surface of the straw.

A first embodiment of a foldable straw 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-5. Generally, the foldable straw 100 is in the form of any number of elongated segments coupled with any number of intermediate segments. More specifically, the foldable straw 100 includes a first segment 102, a second segment 112, a third segment 122, and two intermediate segments 132. The first segment 102 includes an elongated length 103 and a cavity 104 extending therethrough. Similarly, the second segment 112 includes an elongated length 113 and a cavity 114 extending therethrough. Further, the third segment 122 includes an elongated length 123 and a cavity 124 extending therethrough. The intermediate segments 132 also include an elongated length 133 and a cavity 134 extending therethrough. Generally speaking, the elongated length 133 of the intermediate segments 132 is less than the elongated lengths 103, 113, 123 of the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122, respectively. The straw 100 may have a larger internal and external diameter than a conventional drinking straw to be used to consume thicker beverages which may contain solids therein.

The first segment 102 further includes a first end 102 a and a second end 102 b which define the elongated length 103. The first segment 102 is constructed from a generally flexible and/or resilient material such as, for example, silicone. Notably, the first segment 102 may have a first durometer (or hardness) value such as approximately 85A shore durometer. The first end 102 a of the first segment 102 is configured to be inserted into a container containing a beverage (e.g., a tea-based beverage such as bubble tea) and can define an angled tip 105 used to assist with fluid entry and flow into the cavity 104 for consumption by a user. In some examples, the angled tip 105 may include a piercing member 106 in the form of a hard material (e.g., rigid plastic and/or metal) capable of piercing a protective lid or beverage covering. In some examples, the piercing member 106 may be constructed from a harder material than the remainder of the straw 100. In some examples, the piercing member 106 may have a similar angled shape as the angled tip 105, and in other examples, the piercing member 106 may be in the form of a ball or similar protrusion. Other examples are possible.

The second segment 112 further includes a first end 112 a and a second end 112 b which define the elongated length 113 Like the first segment 102, the second segment 112 is constructed from a generally flexible and/or resilient material such as, for example, silicone. The second segment 112 may have a second durometer value that, in some examples, may be identical or nearly identical to the first durometer value of the first segment 102 (e.g., approximately 85A shore durometer). Other examples are possible.

The third segment 122 further includes a first end 122 a and a second end 122 b which define the elongated length 123 Like the first and second segments 102, 112, the third segment 122 is constructed from a generally flexible and/or resilient material such as, for example, silicone. The third segment 122 may have a third durometer value that, in some examples, may be identical or nearly identical to the first and second durometer values of the first and second segments 102, 112 (e.g., approximately 85A shore durometer). Other examples are possible. In some examples, the second end 122 b of the third segment 122 includes a curved mouthpiece portion 125 to accommodate a user's lips for enhanced ergonomic functionality.

The intermediate segments 132 are operably coupled with and disposed between the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122. More specifically, each of the intermediate segments 132 includes a first end 132 a and a second end 132 b. The first end 132 a of one intermediate segment 132 is operably coupled with the second end 102 b of the first segment 102, and the second end 132 b of the intermediate segment 132 is operably coupled with the first end 112 a of the second segment 112, thereby coupling the first segment 102 with the second segment 112. Further, the first end 132 a of the second intermediate segment 132 is operably coupled with the second end 112 b of the second segment 112, and the second end 132 b thereof is operably coupled with the first end 122 a of the third segment 122, thereby coupling the second segment 112 with the third segment 112. So configured, the individual cavities 104, 114, 124, 134 of each of the first, second, third, and intermediate segments 102, 112, 122, 132 define one continuous cavity that extends from the first end 102 a of the first segment 102 to the second end 122 b of the third segment 122 to allow fluid to flow therethrough to be consumed by a user.

Like the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122, the intermediate segment 132 may be constructed from a generally flexible and/or resilient material such as, for example, silicone. However, the intermediate segment 132 has an intermediate segment durometer value that is different than the first, second, and third durometer values of the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122. In some examples, the intermediate segment durometer value is approximately 50A shore durometer, though other examples are possible. Nonetheless, the intermediate segment durometer value is less than the first, second and/or third durometer values of the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122, meaning the intermediate segments 132 are softer than the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122. As a result, the intermediate segments 132 are more flexible and pliable than the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122.

The utensil 100 may be assembled via any number of suitable approaches, for example, a compression molding process may be used to first mold the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122. As previously noted, the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122 may each be formed to have a higher, “hard” durometer value relative to the intermediate segments 132. These three segments may then be removed from a first tool and arranged in a second tool capable of axially aligning the channels 104, 114, 124. In some examples, such as the depiction in FIG. 3, the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122 may be spaced apart from each other in the second tool. The second tool may then form the intermediate segments 132 which in turn operably couples the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122 to form the utensil 100. As previously noted, the intermediate segments 132 may be formed to have a lower, “soft” durometer value relative to the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122. As a result, the lower durometer material is disposed between the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in some examples, the second molding process that forms the intermediate segments 132 may additionally form an outer shell 136 that may partially or entirely cover the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122. In these examples, the outer surface of the utensil 100 is smooth and continuous, and the different segments are visually imperceptible in a relaxed configuration. Further, the inner surface of the utensil 100 may have minimal and/or no seams and/or abrupt changes in diameter, and thus may be smooth and continuous to reduce impediments to fluid flow. Put differently, a first transitional region 142 may be formed where the second end 102 b of the first segment 102 couples with the first end 132 a of the intermediate segment 132 and a second transitional region 144 may be formed where the second end 132 b of the intermediate segment 132 couples with the first end 112 a of the second segment 112. Similar transitional regions may be formed between the second segment 112, the intermediate segment 132, and the third segment 122. These transitional regions 142, 144 may have a continuous and smooth inner diameter as well as a continuous outer diameter when the straw 100 is in the resting state.

When the straw 100 is in a relaxed configuration, the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122 cooperate to form a generally linear straw usable for drinking or consuming foodstuffs. Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, when a user wishes to collapse or fold the straw 100, the user may grasp the first end 102 a of the first segment and the second end 122 b of the third segment 122 (or any other portion or portions thereof) and pull in opposite directions. Doing so will cause the intermediate segments 132 to stretch first (i.e., before the first, second, and third segments 102, 112, 122 begin to stretch) due to their construction from a softer material having a lower durometer value. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the user may then fold the straw 100 at these defined intermediate segments 132, which allow the straw 100 to consistently and repeatedly be folded in the same way and at the same location every time. Accordingly, a user may collapse or fold the straw 100 such that it has a predefined size and shape, which may assist in properly placing the straw 100 in a storage container. In these examples, upon releasing the straw 100 from the collapsed configuration (i.e., by letting go of the first, second, and/or third segments 102, 112, 122), the natural resilience of the straw 100 may cause it to move back to the extended, generally linear configuration.

The foldable straw described herein may be constructed using any number of alternative approaches. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a second example foldable straw 200. It is appreciated that the foldable straw 200 illustrated in FIG. 6 may include similar features to the foldable straw 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and accordingly, elements illustrated in FIG. 6 are designated by similar reference numbers indicated in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 increased by 100. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. Further, it is appreciated that any of the elements described with regards to the foldable straw 100 may be incorporated into the foldable straw 200.

The foldable straw 200 may be constructed from a modified molding process. In contrast to the second molding process used to form the foldable straw 100, the second molding process that forms the intermediate segments 232 may also form an inner shell or casing 238. In other words, in the foldable straw 200, the first, second, and third segments 202, 212, 222 may be fully encapsulated within the softer material having a lower durometer value. In these examples, the inner surface (and, optionally the outer surface) may be completely smooth and uninterrupted to improve fluid flow and/or aesthetic appeal. In either or both the foldable straws 100, 200, during the second molding process, the first, second, and third segments may be spaced apart any suitable distance or distances to adjust the length of the respective intermediate segments.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, an example reusable utensil kit 300 is provided. Generally speaking, the reusable utensil kit 300 includes a storage case 350 and any one or ones of the previously described foldable straws 100, 200. The storage case 350 includes a lid 360 which, in the illustrated example of FIG. 8, is hingedly coupled with the storage case 350 via a hinge member 365. The storage case 350 defines a body that includes any number of primary interior cavities 352 and any number of additional interior cavities 354. In some examples, the body of the storage case 350 is generally solid with the exception of the cavities 352, 354. In some forms, the storage case 350 may be constructed from a rigid material and may use a rubber and/or foam liner to surround the interior cavities 352, 354. Other examples of suitable materials are possible. The storage case 350 may additionally include a securement mechanism 358 such as, for example, a zipper, a magnet or magnets, or other suitable fastening device to retain the lid 360 in a closed position.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, all or a portion of any number of foldable straws 100, 200 may be placed in the storage case 350. More specifically, the straws 100, 200 may be disposed within the primary interior cavity 352 when in the folded configuration. The primary interior cavity 352 may retain at least a portion of the foldable straw in the folded configuration, and can thereby provide a clean, secure environment for the straw. In some examples, a strap or other securement member (not illustrated) may be used to retain the straw.

The additional interior cavities 354 may be used to store additional accessories. For example, the kit 300 may include a cleaning tool 370 including a first end 370 a, a second end 370 a, and an elongated length 372 extending therebetween. The cleaning tool 370 may further include a bristle head 374 positioned at or near the first end 370 a which can be inserted into the straw cavity to assist in removing any debris. Other versions of the cleaning tool 370 may include a squeegee positioned at or near the first end 370 a. The squeegee may be provided as an alternative to, or in addition to, the bristle head 374. One version of the squeegee can include a one or more flexible rubber squeegee blades or constructs affixed along a portion of the length of the first end 370 a of the cleaning tool 370. In other versions, a single linear squeegee blade can be fixed to the outer sidewall of the cleaning tool 370 and parallel therewith. In another version, as depicted in FIG. 10, a plurality of circular squeegee blades 371, 373 can be fixed to the first end 370 a of the cleaning tool 370, each being axially spaced from each other. In other versions, the first end 370 a of the cleaning tool 370 could include other cleaning mechanisms such as, for example, swatches of cloth, shammy, soft fibers, etc.

Further still, the cleaning tool 370 may include a piercing member 376 (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, for example) positioned at or near the second end 370 b which may pierce any protective lids or beverage coverings. In this example, the piercing member 376 may be in the form of an angled, arrow-head like structure that terminates at a sharp endpoint. Other examples of suitable piercing members are possible.

In some examples, the cleaning tool 370 may be in the form of a collapsible member capable of selectively extending (FIG. 8) for use as a cleaner and collapsing (FIG. 9) for storage. In the illustrated example, the cleaning tool 370 is in the form of a number of telescoping segments that slidably engage each other to adjust the overall length of the cleaning tool 370. Further, the second end 370 b of the cleaning tool 370 may be insertable into the additional cavity 354, which may be in the form of a cleaning tool opening. Upon a user pushing or urging the cleaning tool 370 into the cavity 354, the telescoping members may collapse, thereby reducing the overall length thereof for storage.

In some examples, the cavity 354 may include a retention member 354 a that retains the cleaning tool 370 within the cavity 354. The retention member 354 a may be in the form of a resilient flange member that surrounds the opening of the cavity 354 to frictionally engage the cleaning tool 370. The retention member 354 a may also serve to assist in extending the length of the cleaning tool 370 by gripping the second end 370 b thereof while a user grasps the first end 370 a to remove the tool 370. The frictional engagement between the retention member 354 a and the cleaning tool 370 may be stronger than a force required to extend the telescoping members, and as such, pulling on the first end 370 a of the tool 370 will first cause the tool 370 to extend to an extended length prior to the tool 370 disengaging the retention member 354 a. Other examples of suitable arrangements are possible.

In some examples, the storage case 350 may have cleaning and/or sterilization capabilities. For example, any number of the cavities 352, 354, may be coated with a cleaning or sterilization solution. Other examples are possible.

So configured, the foldable straw includes a seamless or near-seamless internal design to provide optimal fluid flow. The soft intermediate segments are advantageously hidden when the straw is in the extended configuration for drinking. These intermediate segments guide the straw to fold in an exact location so the user will consistently fold the straw at the ideal location, and as such, the straw will have a consistent folded size to be placed into the container.

Unless specified otherwise, any of the feature or characteristics of any one of the embodiments of the utensil disclosed herein may be combined with the features or characteristics of any other embodiments of the utensil.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable straw comprising: a first segment including an elongated length and a cavity extending through the elongated length, the first segment having a first durometer value; a second segment including an elongated length and a cavity extending through the elongated length, the second segment having a second durometer value; and an intermediate segment being operably coupled with and positioned between the first segment and the second segment, the intermediate segment including an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough, the intermediate segment having an intermediate segment durometer value; wherein the intermediate segment durometer value is less than the first durometer value and the second durometer value such that the collapsible straw is foldable within the intermediate segment.
 2. The foldable straw of claim 1, further comprising a first transitional region where the first segment operably couples with the intermediate segment and a second transitional region where the intermediate segment coupled with the second segment.
 3. The foldable straw of claim 2, wherein the first transitional region and the second transitional region have a continuous inner diameter in a resting configuration.
 4. The foldable straw of claim 2, wherein the first transitional region and the second transitional region have a continuous outer diameter in a resting configuration.
 5. The foldable straw of claim 1, further comprising: a third segment including an elongated length and a cavity extending through the elongated length, the third segment having a third durometer value; and a second intermediate segment being operably coupled with and positioned between the second segment and the third segment, the second intermediate segment including an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough and has the intermediate segment durometer value.
 6. The foldable straw of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first segment, the second segment, or the intermediate segment is constructed from silicone.
 7. The foldable straw of claim 1, wherein the first durometer value and the second durometer value is approximately 85A shore durometer.
 8. The foldable straw of claim 1, wherein the intermediate durometer value is approximately 50A shore durometer.
 9. The foldable straw of claim 1, wherein the second segment includes a curved mouthpiece portion.
 10. The foldable straw of claim 1, further comprising an angled tip positioned at an end of the first segment.
 11. The foldable straw of claim 10, further comprising a piercing member operably coupled with the angled tip.
 12. A reusable utensil kit comprising: a foldable straw comprising: a first segment including an elongated length and a cavity extending through the elongated length, the first segment having a first durometer value; a second segment including an elongated length and a cavity extending through the elongated length, the second segment having a second durometer value; and an intermediate segment being operably coupled with and positioned between the first segment and the second segment, the intermediate segment including an elongated length and a cavity extending therethrough, the intermediate segment having an intermediate segment durometer value; wherein the intermediate segment durometer value is less than the first durometer value and the second durometer value such that the collapsible straw is foldable within the intermediate segment; and a storage case defining an interior cavity configured to retain the collapsible utensil.
 13. The reusable utensil kit of claim 12, further comprising a securement mechanism coupled with the storage case to retain the storage case in a closed configuration.
 14. The reusable utensil kit of claim 12, further comprising a cleaning tool including a first end, a second end, an elongated length extending between the first and second ends, and a squeegee or bristle head positioned at or near the first end.
 15. The reusable utensil kit of claim 14, wherein the interior cavity of the storage case includes a cleaning tool opening to receive the second end of the cleaning tool.
 16. The reusable utensil kit of claim 14, wherein the elongated length includes a plurality of telescoping members to selectively extend or collapse the elongated length.
 17. The reusable utensil kit of claim 16, wherein the cleaning tool opening includes a retention member to retain the second end of the cleaning tool in the cleaning tool opening, wherein upon urging the cleaning tool in a direction away from the cleaning tool opening, the elongated length of the cleaning tool extends.
 18. The reusable utensil kit of claim 14, further comprising a piercing member disposed at the second end of the cleaning tool.
 19. The reusable utensil kit of claim 12, wherein the interior cavity of the storage case is dimensioned to retain a plurality of foldable straws. 